Ireland's European Championship squad announced - James McCarthy withdrawn

James McCarthy bows out as father is diagnosed with cancer

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Giovanni Trapattoni

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James McCarthy has withdrawn from the Ireland squad for the European Championships after his father was diagnosed with cancer.

The Wigan midfielder is the senior player manager Giovanni Trapattoni had said he would be unable to pick.

McCarthy was the most notable absentee from the 23 man squad named by Trapattoni in Dublin on Monday afternoon.

Keith Fahey, Darron Gibson and Stephen Hunt have all made the cut with Paul McShane, Paul Green, Seamus Coleman and Andy Keogh on stand-by.

Trapattoni said of McCarthy: "Last week James called me and he told me what is happening with his family. I said 'I am very sorry' but he has decided to remain at home.

"It has not been easy choosing 23 players because we have many other very good players who deserve to be here. I have said already James McCarthy for example. I have spoken with all the players on the standby list and those who are not taking part in the campaign."

Sunderland's James McClean did make the squad. he tweeted: "I am absolutely honoured to be in this Ireland squad. I can't wait."

Ireland squad: Given, Westwood, Forde, Dunne, O'Shea, St.Ledger, O'Dea, Ward, Kelly, Foley, Whelan, Gibson, Andrews, Fahey, Duff, McGeady, Hunt, McClean, Keane, Doyle, Cox, Long, Walters.
Standby: Randolph, McShane, Green, Coleman, Keogh

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